If you’re feeling underneath the climate this vacation season, you’re not alone.
The variety of New Yorkers contaminated with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has jumped since final month, in keeping with the New York City well being division. The virus may cause delicate, cold-like signs, however some folks can turn into significantly sick. Symptoms embrace a runny nostril, sneezing, coughing, chills and a lack of urge for food.
Nearly 5,000 instances of RSV had been reported to metropolis well being authorities within the week ending Dec. 14, well being officers mentioned. That quantity has risen sharply because the starting of November.
Flu instances have additionally jumped in December, although not on the price seen final winter, when the well being division obtained greater than 10,000 constructive influenza check outcomes.
Differences in severity can differ season by season primarily based on plenty of elements, together with whether or not folks search care for his or her signs, in keeping with the company.
New Yorkers can stop transmission of RSV by protecting their coughs and sneezes with their arms or with tissues, sporting masks, washing their fingers usually and staying house when sick, health officials said.
The virus spreads by droplets from contaminated folks once they sneeze or cough. It also can journey after drying on bedsheets or different objects, and may stay infectious on contaminated surfaces for a number of hours, according to the state health department. Kissing an contaminated individual also can unfold the virus, officers mentioned.
There is not any particular therapy for RSV an infection, however there are vaccines accessible for adults who’re 60 or older, in addition to pregnant folks, infants and a few youngsters.
While RSV infections normally do not lead to extreme sickness, infants and older adults are at higher danger, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
